Fred Garcia

Fred’s journey with Ringside Report began back in the TSN 690 radio days in Montreal, where he helped establish the foundation for what would become The Combat Sports Authority. But what truly sets Fred apart isn’t just his years behind the microphone—it’s his time on the mats. As a Purple Belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu at 10th Planet Montreal, Fred doesn’t just talk about ground game theory; he lives it, breathes it, and proves it in competition. In February 2025, he stepped onto the mats at Grappling Industries Brooklyn, competing in the Male Adult Purple Belt division—because in Fred’s world, credibility isn’t claimed, it’s earned.

When Fred breaks down a fight, you’re not getting surface-level commentary. You’re getting insights from someone who understands the subtle nuances of a fighter’s cardio management during a prolonged submission attempt, or why a wrestler’s takedown defense might crumble in the third round. His technical breakdowns are legendary among Ringside Report fans—whether he’s explaining the torque mechanics of Khamzat Chimaev’s face-crank against Robert Whittaker or dissecting why Islam Makhachev’s opponents look so helpless against the “Dagestani handcuff,” Fred speaks the language of the cage because he lives the language of the mat.

As part of the dynamic trio alongside Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio on Ringside Report’s Thursday night MMA broadcasts, Fred serves as the analytical anchor—the “Realist” who can fact-check a bold prediction or add the technical context that transforms a simple fight recap into a masterclass in mixed martial arts strategy. Fred has navigated the seismic shifts of 2025 with that signature “Zero BS” approach: from breaking down the UFC’s massive Paramount+ distribution deal and the 9 PM ET schedule changes, to investigating the “spooky” betting scandal that rocked the sport’s integrity.

His 2025 tape speaks for itself. He correctly identified Benoit Saint-Denis as the “younger, more athletic” pick when others hesitated. He questioned the merit of Paddy Pimblett’s interim title shot when the UFC booked Gaethje vs. Pimblett for UFC 324, calling it a “business move” rather than merit-based. And when he got it wrong—like predicting Jack Della Maddalena to upset Islam Makhachev at UFC 322’s Madison Square Garden main event—Fred owned it publicly, conceding that the Dagestan crew might indeed be “the best team in the history of MMA.” That accountability is rare in combat sports media.

As a Purple Belt in the 10th Planet system—a No-Gi, MMA-focused lineage founded by Eddie Bravo—Fred’s training is 100% applicable to the fights he analyzes. He understands the “slipperiness” of a sweating opponent in the third round. He knows why the Rubber Guard matters when traditional closed guard fails. When he explains posture control or the necessity of overhooks when there’s no Gi to grab, he’s drawing from thousands of hours of mat time in Montreal’s competitive grappling scene.

Fred’s on-air presence strikes that perfect balance between approachability and authority. He can crack jokes about Dave’s green Yeezys one moment and deliver a detailed breakdown of championship-level striking the next. His betting analysis is conservative but technically grounded—looking for “stylistic locks” rather than chasing AJ’s “CRAZY triple underdog parlays”—and his fearless predictions have become must-listen content for fans who appreciate honest, unfiltered commentary.

From the early days of Montreal sports radio to the global reach of multi-platform streaming (YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, DLive, Kick, and X/Twitter), Fred Garcia has been there for every evolution of combat sports coverage. Whether he’s providing live commentary during UFC pay-per-view watch-alongs, interviewing top fighters, or navigating the complexities of the Paramount Era, Fred brings the kind of authentic expertise that can only come from someone who truly understands the sport from the inside out.

When you tune in to hear Fred’s take on the latest card, you’re not just getting opinions—you’re getting insights backed by decades of broadcast experience, a Purple Belt earned through blood and sweat, and a genuine love for the sport. That’s the difference between commentary and authority.